What does the Bible say about hospitality to false teachers and giving people a platform to speak their false religion to believers?
Based on 2 John 10:7-11, we can see that those who come with a wrong teaching of who Christ is should not be given a greeting. This was written to a lady whose house hosted a church.
John MacArthur interprets this to mean not letting them into the house (see about halfway down). Declaring & Defending The Deity of Christ
On the other side, we see Paul and the other apostles taking the Gospel to synagogues and other public places (like Mars Hill) not within a church. Paul reasoned with people whom he was brought before. I don't see believers ever encouraged to bring false teachers into a church of believers to allow them to share what they believe up front (even with the motive of evangelizing the false teacher or to educate the Christians).
In the Old Testament, I see how the prophets of Baal were treated in 1 Kings 18.
We are to love our enemies, yet we are to guard our hearts with all diligence. We are to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples, but our intimate friends should be those who will help us grow and sharpen us in the faith. We don't want intimate friends who will encourage us to love the world, but we are to be lights in the world and imitate Christ.
Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
Based on 2 John 10:7-11, we can see that those who come with a wrong teaching of who Christ is should not be given a greeting. This was written to a lady whose house hosted a church.
John MacArthur interprets this to mean not letting them into the house (see about halfway down). Declaring & Defending The Deity of Christ
On the other side, we see Paul and the other apostles taking the Gospel to synagogues and other public places (like Mars Hill) not within a church. Paul reasoned with people whom he was brought before. I don't see believers ever encouraged to bring false teachers into a church of believers to allow them to share what they believe up front (even with the motive of evangelizing the false teacher or to educate the Christians).
In the Old Testament, I see how the prophets of Baal were treated in 1 Kings 18.
Elijah mocked them.
Yes, people who served idols were not treated like those who genuinely listen to hear the truth proclaimed.
They were shown up as false to the people who were already being deceived by them.
Letting a wolf into a church (who we know has the motive to steal and influence weak flock members) is not wise.
Yes, I know that people can be confused and influenced by false religions.
On the other side, an evangelist or preacher going to speak to a primarily pagan audience to proclaim the Gospel is a different matter altogether.
This series by Nathan Busenitz is an example of how you can educate Christians how to evangelize and to spot false teachers.
We are to love our enemies, yet we are to guard our hearts with all diligence. We are to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples, but our intimate friends should be those who will help us grow and sharpen us in the faith. We don't want intimate friends who will encourage us to love the world, but we are to be lights in the world and imitate Christ.
Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."
1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Proverbs 13:20 NASB
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2 NASB
Discretion will guard you,
Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you,
To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things;
From those who leave the paths of uprightness
To walk in the ways of darkness;
Who delight in doing evil
And rejoice in the perversity of evil;
Proverbs 2:11-14 NASB
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
2 Corinthians 6:17 ESV
Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
2 Corinthians 6:17 ESV
Additional sermons on being equally yoked (by Mike Riccardi)
